An Ghaeltacht survive Templenoe rally to secure Kerry senior status

An Ghaeltacht held off a spirited Templenoe fightback, while Castleisland Desmonds overcame St Mary’s as both clubs secured their championship status for another year

An Ghaeltacht beat Templenoe 2-12 to 1-14 in their Kerry Club SFC relegation play-off. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor

The battle for survival took centre stage at the weekend, with An Ghaeltacht and Castleisland Desmonds securing their respective championship statuses for another year. An Ghaeltacht survived a late Templenoe charge in the senior relegation battle, while Desmonds did enough against St Mary’s Cahersiveen to retain their place in the intermediate ranks.

An Ghaeltacht preserved their senior championship status after holding off a spirited Templenoe fightback to claim a narrow 2-12 to 1-14 victory.

Cathal Ó Beaglaoich’s two-pointer from play edged An Ghaeltacht in front early on before Diarmuid Ó Sé struck for the game’s opening goal, leaving the West Kerry side 1-2 to 0-1 ahead after six minutes.

They strengthened their grip on proceedings in the 19th minute when Franz Sauerland found the net for their second goal, stretching the advantage to 2-3 to 0-1.

Templenoe responded almost immediately, however, with Brian Crowley raising a green flag to cut the deficit to four points. An Ghaeltacht regained control before the interval and another two-pointer from the impressive Ó Beaglaoich helped send them into the dressing room with a commanding 2-7 to 1-2 advantage.

Templenoe emerged with renewed purpose after the restart. Killian Spillane, Pat Spillane and Crowley were all among the scorers as they gradually ate into An Ghaeltacht’s advantage, reducing the gap to five by the end of the third quarter.

With the contest entering its final ten minutes, Templenoe had closed to within three and the pressure was firmly on An Ghaeltacht. Crucially, Ruaidhrí Ó Beaglaoich and Cathal Ó Beaglaoich came up with the scores needed to steady their side.

An Ghaeltacht held their nerve through a tense finish to secure a one-point victory and, more importantly, preserve their senior status.

In the intermediate relegation play-off final, Desmonds beat St Mary's 0-18 to 2-9.